Arizona Crime Wave The SoCal chapter (encompassing Southern California, Arizona, Hawaii and Southern Nevada) of the Mystery Writers of America will converge on Sedona, Arizona for its annual AZ Meeting, on Friday, August 1, when some of Arizona's most illustrious mystery, suspense and true crime authors will appear at the Sedona Public Library as part of its 50th anniversary celebration. This is a great chance to meet MWA members from all over the state to gather, and for writers and readers of crime fiction to learn more about the mystery genre from those "whodunit." The Arizona Crime Wave will begin with an informal reception, sponsored by the SoCal chapter, at The Well Red Coyote bookstore from 3 pm – where we'll meet and mingle with other mystery lovers over wine and goodies. Then at 6 pm, we’ll gather at the library for a lively panel discussion that will cover all aspects of the mystery genre. Featured on this all-star line-up will be: Tempe author, Donis Casey, the author of the award-winning Alafair Tucker mystery series. Set in historical Oklahoma and proudly proclaiming the independent spirit she learned growing up there, her titles include The Drop Edge of Yonder, Hornswoggled and The Old Buzzard had it Coming. Anthem criminal defense attorney, Kerrie Droban, is the author of In the Company of Darkness and The Watchman’s Circle, which won the Daphne Du Maurier Award, and the true crime, Running with the Devil: The True Story of ATF’s Infiltration of Arizona Hell’s Angels. Ben Small, a Tucson trial lawyer, is the author of Alibi On Ice and The Olive Horseshoe, which best-selling author Vince Flynn describes as “Fast and hard, with terrific characters and gripping suspense.” Betty Webb, Scottsdale author, journalist and book reviewer, writes the Lena Jones detective series – Desert Run, Desert Shadows, Desert Wives, Desert Noir and Desert Cut – which has garnered rave reviews from the NY Times, Chicago Tribune and other prestigious national publications. Moderating the panel will be Kris Neri, award-winning mystery author, writing instructor, co-owner of The Well Red Coyote bookstore, and SoCal board member. After the presentation, members will gather in Sedona for a no-host dinner at Casa Bonita in West Sedona. (64 Coffee Pot Drive - Bashas Center). RSVP's appreciated for both the reception and the no-host dinner at books@wellredcoyote.com or 928-282-2284. The Well Red Coyote is located at 3190 W. Highway 89A, and the Sedona Public Library is at 3250 White Bear Road, both in West Sedona, Arizona.